The three candidates running for the seat left vacant by Councilman Anthony DeFeo, who is running for mayor, are John Embert III, Andrea Coar Rodriguez, and Brian David. Here are their candidates profiles.

A I have decided to run at this time because the residents of Smyrna need to have a fiscally responsible voice on council.

Q WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING SMYRNA AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THEM?

A The issues that I feel are very important are the continued growth of the town and becoming more fiscally responsible. The infrastructure of the town must come first. Expenditures based on predicted future growth and funds and not based on existing funds should be addressed. More funds should be set aside now to prevent future tax increases.

Q WHY SHOULD RESIDENTS VOTE FOR YOU?

A Smyrna residents should vote for me if they agree that spending should be curbed. I also feel the opinions of most of the residents are being ignored. We just had a non-binding tax increase referendum that was voted down by the majority of the people but their voice was ignored. I do not think a town of this size needs a new assistant town manager who gets paid over $40,000 a year with benefits. There was talk at one of the last council meetings about creating a HR department for the town because the town now has about 100 employees. The company that I have worked for 39 years has about 100 employees and we do not have an HR department. There were new lights just installed on Carter Road and they were paid for by the state but who is going to pay for the maintenance and the cost to power them. These are just a few examples of the overspending that must be curbed. I have a neighbor that just installed a small shed on their property. They were promptly sent a tax re-assessment notice increasing their property tax. This is just one example of the over regulation but I think it does reflect the larger problem. Curbing unneeded expenses and the over regulation of our citizens are some of the issues I would address if I were elected. If you agree, I would encourage everyone in town to vote on April 30. YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT!

A I am running for council because I want to be a part of the town's growth and development. I want to provide a clean and safe town for my daughter to live.

Q WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING SMYRNA AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THEM?

A Two of the most important issues facing Smyrna are jobs/business and fiscal responsibility. We need to continue to work to bring new businesses to town. I would work diligently with the town staff to find ways to bring new business to town. Improving our infrastructure allows the town to support additional growth and development. By improving roadways, and water and electric services it allows the town to continue providing a high level of services to the community. In the current economic times we need to be even more mindful of how we choose to spend our money. We need to choose projects that will continue to grow our community and bring additional resources to the town. We need to include the residents of the community in this process. We need to listen to what the residents have to say to help determine the direction we should take as a community.

Q WHY SHOULD RESIDENTS VOTE FOR YOU?

A Residents should vote for me because I am willing to work to get the job done for them. My various positions with the Citizens' Hose Company have given me the experience and knowledge needed to continue to grow and improve our community. I am an honest person and will work to do what is right for the residents of the town.

A The reason is because I've lived here for the last five years and it's important for me to be involved with the local community I love to live in. This is a wonderful place and I hope we retain what he we have. I want the town to be conducive for my children and I as we grow older. I want to be a part problem solving and celebrating the successes.

Page 3 of 3 - What better way to work with and listen to folks as we try to solve problems together?

Q WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING SMYRNA AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THEM?

A The rapid and increased growth in some communities. If the town is going to continue to grow, we need to do it in a responsible way. Ensure that the appropriate infrastructure is in place to support the increase in population. Create opportunities for small businesses such as Howard's [Odd Fellows Café] where you can go for lunch or dinner and you can go and walk home.

Smyrna has older communities east of Route 13 and west of Route 13. They are older communities with older services, old pipes, old electric systems that need to be addressed. We need to find a way to get funding to make these necessary upgrades.

Q WHY SHOULD RESIDENTS VOTE FOR YOU?

A They should vote for me because I have the experience that will allow me to represent them legislatively. Most importantly, I want to see the town grow and am invested in the community. I want to help make Smyrna a great place to live and to work.